Latest news with #TOIRiverDialogues2025
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Namami Gange inspired global recognition of river cleanliness efforts: Dy CM Brajesh Pathak
Lucknow: Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said under the Modi govt, the Ganga was not only made fit for bathing but also for drinking and 'aachman' (ritualistic purification before a religious ceremony or prayer). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "As soon as the BJP govt came to power in 2014, PM Narendra Modi launched the Namami Gange project to check pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of Ganga. Maha Kumbh is the biggest example of the govt's river cleaning efforts. People around the globe and even research universities are surprised to see that 66-crore people took a dip and also took 5-10 litres of pure water along with them," he said. The Deputy CM was speaking during the TOI River Dialogues 2025: Restoring the Glory of Uttar Pradesh's River, held at a private hotel on Monday. He said: "Whenever we hear the name of Ganga, it automatically comes to our mind as the giver of salvation. Since ancient times in our culture, Ganga is regarded as the one who is a selfless giver, a mother. Be it our birth or death, both the beginning and the end of life begin with Ganga water." He added that, "I am proud to say that my state, Uttar Pradesh, has the most rivers flowing through it in India." Citing an example, Pathak said in Kanpur, earlier people didn't even want to touch the Ganga water due to tannery pollution. "But now, whether it is Kanpur or any other place, we have installed STPs and water purifiers to keep the river clean. We also keep checking whether the STPs were functional or not. I myself did reality checks of STPs, and today I can say proudly that our PM-led govt did a wonderful job. Not just Ganga, but the govt worked on its tributaries too. Under Namami Gange, along with the cleanliness of rivers, the work of beautification of ghats was also taken as priority," he added. The Deputy CM said the best example of these efforts was Maha Kumbh-2025. In 2019, around 25 crore people took a dip in Maha Kumbh which swelled to around 66 crore in 2025 due to uninterrupted flow and cleanliness of the Ganga and Yamuna.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
TOI River Dialogues 2025: Experts chart roadmap for water sustainability
. The TOI River Dialogues 2025 concluded on Monday in Lucknow, bringing together experts, policymakers, community leaders, and citizens for discussions on river rejuvenation and sustainable water management in Uttar Pradesh, with a special focus on Maha Kumbh 2025. Through dynamic panels, policymaker dialogues, and interactive sessions, the event delves into global river restoration models, CSR contributions, initiatives like Namami Gange, community-led conservation efforts, and the development of sustainable infrastructure . In the opening address, Mr. Pravin Kumar, Resident Editor, Times of India, Lucknow, said, "Rivers have given birth to civilisations, but unfortunately, they now face threats from us. The course correction must come from us, and fortunately, we have arrived in time to acknowledge that the rampant abuse of rivers must stop for our own good." Shri Brajesh Pathak, deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, in his keynote address, said, "Since 2014, initiatives like Namami Gange have worked to restore maa Ganga's purity. During the Maha Kumbh, we ensured she was fit not just for bathing, but also for achman." Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Breaks His Silence: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Undo The panel discussion titled "Reviving our rivers: The road to sustainability and the legacy of Maha Kumbh 2025" featured key experts. Ajay Tripathi, IAS, additional director of the Urban Development Department, said, "The sustainability of the Ganga is only possible when we become mindful of our responsibilities. It's not enough to leave everything to government departments; only then can we maintain the river's purity." Speaking about the broader challenges impacting the Ganga's health, Raman Kant, president of Bhartiya Nadi Parishad and Riverman of India, emphasised the urgent need to focus on smaller rivers and groundwater levels. He said, "Ganga's tributaries are shrinking because the water table is falling. As a result, smaller rivers are no longer able to feed the Ganga. That's why, along with protecting the Ganga, we must also focus on reviving our smaller rivers." You can watch the full discussion at TOI River Dialogues here . The agenda of discussion for Panel 2 was "Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships For Clean Rivers: Innovation, Investment, and Sustainable Impact." Dr Pritam Ranjan of IIM Indore suggested that a water management programme could help mitigate an impending water crisis. Ranjan said, "IIM Indore is one of the institutes that has something called rural engagement programme. What we do is, we go to different villages around India, particularly Madhya Pradesh... Every year, more than 500 of our students go to these villages. They give them (villagers) training in terms of their livelihood, small businesses and so on." In a fireside chat moderated by Shailvee Sharda, assistant editor, The Times of India, Shri Anurag Srivastava, additional chief secretary, Department of Namami Gange and Rural Water Supply, Government of Uttar Pradesh, outlined key strategies for ensuring river health and resilience. Srivastava stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive and dynamic policy framework to meet the evolving challenges in river rejuvenation. "The increasing dynamism in environmental and urban pressures demands a flexible but firm response," he said, adding that microanalysis and technological innovations are critical. "We are using drones and focusing on total sewerage tapping to cut pollution at the source," he pointed out.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
TOI River Dialogues 2025: ‘Involving the younger generation is essential', says IAS Anurag Srivastava on river rejuvenation
Anurag Srivastava, IAS, additional chief secretary, department of Namami Gange and rural water supply, government of Uttar Pradesh NEW DELHI: The TOI River Dialogues 2025 , held on April 28 in Lucknow, brought together policymakers, innovators, and community leaders to discuss the future of rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, and Gomti, which have shaped the region's history, culture, and economy for centuries. Speaking at the event, Anurag Srivastava , IAS, additional chief secretary, department of Namami Gange and rural water supply, government of Uttar Pradesh, outlined key strategies for ensuring river health and resilience. Srivastava stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive and dynamic policy framework to meet the evolving challenges in river rejuvenation . "The increasing dynamism in environmental and urban pressures demands a flexible but firm response," he said, adding that microanalysis and technological innovations are critical. "We are using drones and focusing on total sewerage tapping to cut pollution at the source," he pointed out. TOI River Dialogues LIVE | Restoring the Lifelines of Uttar Pradesh Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Treatment That Might Help You Against Knee Pain Knee pain | search ads Find Now Undo He emphasised that groundwater and river water systems must be treated as complementary, especially in light of emerging challenges like groundwater depletion in the west and south Yamuna regions. Srivastava highlighted the importance of bringing major stakeholders, including NGOs, local communities, and businesses, into the conservation effort. He advocated for decentralised systems supported by communities, calling them "vital for lasting impact." In a move to build public ownership, he mentioned the success of River Literacy Program that educates and involve the youth. "Involving the younger generation is essential because they are the future custodians of our rivers," he remarked. Touching on broader social impacts, he pointed to initiatives like 'Har Ghar Nal', which have improved access to drinking water, thereby enhancing quality of life and supporting female education across rural Uttar Pradesh. Srivastava also discussed the ongoing efforts in pond rejuvenation, including the Amrit Sarovar Yojana . He acknowledged that while progress would take time, these initiatives would create long-lasting ecological and social benefits, even though a comprehensive database of restored water bodies is still under development. On the economic dimension of river rejuvenation, he said, "We must at least begin by recognising it as a pressing need of the hour and align planning accordingly." He also addressed the use of chemical-based cleaning technologies, cautioning that "solutions are not binary," and stressed that policy must balance society's needs with available technologies. Srivastava also underlined the critical role of individual responsibility in river conservation, calling it "absolutely essential" for ensuring meaningful and sustainable outcomes.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
How to mitigate a water crisis? IIM professor explains at TOI River Dialogues
Dr Pritam Ranjan TOI River Dialogues 2025 began in Lucknow on Monday, bringing together policymakers, innovators, corporate leaders, and communities. Impactful discussions were held on initiatives such as Namami Gange, as well as advanced technologies, and community-driven conservation. Speaking at TOI River Dialogues, Dr Pritam Ranjan of IIM Indore suggested that a water management programme could help mitigate an impending water crisis. Ranjan said, "IIM Indore is one of the institutes, which has something called rural engagement programme. What we do is, we go to different villages around India, particularly Madhya year, more than 500 of our students go to these villages. They give them (villagers) training in terms of their livelihood, small businesses and so on." Also Read | TOI River Dialogues 2025: 'For Bharat, Ganga is not just water — she is our soul,' say experts by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Underground Oddities: Weird Characters Spotted in the Subway Subway Quirks and Curiosities Undo He added, "Coming to River Dialogues, may be we should think about some water management programme that will be very helpful to the ground level on how we can revive our waters. Yes, we are focusing on the Ganga and other rivers. But we also have to think about the day-to-day needs for water, and how we can do better management of water so that rivers and water can have a sync." However, he admitted that private funding would be needed for such programmes. Ranjan further stated, "We have to reach out to industries and private players to make sure that rivers are not that dirty these days." The IIM Indore professor was a member of Panel 2 at TOI River Dialogues. He was joined by Kundan Kishore (Head-Business Development and M&A, Adani Group), Ganesh Thorat (CEO, Naam Foundation) and Vinod Tare ( Founding Head, cGanga, Environmental Engineering & Management Programme, IIT Kanpur). The agenda of discussion for Panel 2 was "Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships For Clean Rivers : Innovation, Investment, and Sustainable Impact." Their session was moderated by Richa Jain Kallra. TOI River Dialogues River Dialogues is pivotal event dedicated to river rejuvenation and sustainable water management in Uttar Pradesh, with a focus on Maha Kumbh 2025. In Uttar Pradesh, where rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Gomti, and many others have nurtured life, spirituality and culture for centuries, there is a growing need to restore and protect their vitality. Times of India's TOI River Dialogues is a thought-provoking series for meaningful conversations and action around river revival and conservation.
Time of India
28-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
TOI River Dialogues 2025: 'For Bharat, Ganga is not just water — she is our soul,' say experts
Screengrab TOI River Dialogues 2025 kicked off on Monday in Lucknow, a thought-provoking series that brings together experts, policymakers, community leaders, and citizens for conversation on river rejuvenation and sustainable water management in Uttar Pradesh, with special emphasis on Maha Kumbh 2025 . Through engaging panels, policymaker dialogues, and interactive sessions, the event explores global river restoration models, CSR contributions, initiatives such as Namami Gange , community-driven conservation efforts, and sustainable infrastructure. The panel discussion titled "Reviving our rivers: The road to sustainability and the legacy of Maha Kumbh 2025" featured key experts. Ajay Tripathi, IAS, additional director of the Urban Development Department, said, "The sustainability of the Ganga is only possible when we become mindful of our responsibilities. It's not enough to leave everything to government departments; only then can we maintain the river's purity." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Встречай любимых героев и начни своё эпическое путешествие! Игра престолов Играть сейчас Undo Speaking on the spiritual and ecological significance of the Ganga, environmentalist Rajendra Singh said, "For Bharat, Ganga is not just water — she is our soul. Kumbh once symbolised true devotion to Maa Ganga, not just a grand event. Today, we must revive that spirit by taking tough steps by ending industrial diversion of her flow." Dr. Raj Shekhar, IAS, project director of the State Mission for Clean Ganga, Government of Uttar Pradesh, said, Since Namami Gange began in 2014, we made Maa Ganga fit for drinking during Maha Kumbh, Gangetic dolphins in UP rose from 600 to over 2,000, and the Prayagraj stretch improved from Category 1 to Category 4 in CPCB rankings." Speaking about the broader challenges impacting the Ganga's health, Raman Kant, president of Bhartiya Nadi Parishad and Riverman of India, emphasised the urgent need to focus on smaller rivers and groundwater levels. He said, "Ganga's tributaries are shrinking because the water table is falling. As a result, smaller rivers are no longer able to feed the Ganga. That's why, along with protecting the Ganga, we must also focus on reviving our smaller rivers." You can watch TOI River Dialogues live here . In the opening address, Mr. Pravin Kumar, Resident Editor, Times of India, Lucknow, said, "Rivers have given birth to civilisations, but unfortunately, they now face threats from us. The course correction must come from us, and fortunately, we have arrived in time to acknowledge that the rampant abuse of rivers must stop for our own good." Shri Brajesh Pathak, deputy chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, in his keynote address, said, "Since 2014, initiatives like Namami Gange have worked to restore maa Ganga's purity. During the Maha Kumbh, we ensured she was fit not just for bathing, but also for achman ." The event will further feature engaging discussions, including 'Leveraging public-private partnerships for clean rivers: Innovation, investment, and sustainable impact,' and a 'Fireside chat – River renaissance in Uttar Pradesh: Policy, planning, and people-led solutions for sustainable waterways.'
